The NRHA Professionals program was initiated in 2002. Reiners who join the NRHA Professionals make not only a commitment to share their knowledge and expertise by volunteering their time to NRHA affiliates for clinics, demonstrations and/or lectures, they also sign a Code of Ethics.

The Top Twenty Times, a monthly feature in the NRHA Reiner magazine, keeps tabs on monies earned by these professionals in all NRHA events and, as you would expect from a list of NRHA Professionals, they are a group of “over-achievers”! The top five riders from the 2004 final tally collectively earned over $1,000,000. Here are just a few highlights of the accomplishments earned by the “Top 20’s Top Five”!

Shawn Flarida ($297,052.052): Riding Smart Spook for Rosanne Sternberg, Shawn won the 2004 NRHA Futurity Open Division and the guaranteed $175,000 winner’s paycheck. He also made several trips to Europe last summer adding to his tally with impressive placings in the World Reining Trophy Reining in Mooslargue, France, as well as Americana, and The Challenge in Germany.

Craig Schmersal ($223,656.36): Craig had an excellent season on Commanders Nic owned by Craig and his wife Ginger. They won the 2004 NRHA Derby Open Division and the guaranteed $50,000 winner’s paycheck and earned almost $35,000 in NRBC competition. Craig finished the show season with a 2004 Futurity Finals placing on Holly Casey’s Tuffys Lil Gun.

Duane Latimer ($192,113.56): Duane earned his first big paycheck of the 2004 show season at the NRBC, bringing home monies earned on Hang Ten Surprize, owned by Manntana LLC, Sage Brush Whiz owned by James Ward and Lance Griffin’s The Great Whiz. Duane was also a 2004 NRHA Futurity finalist on West Coast Shiner owned by Bob Loomis Quarter Horses Inc/Manntana LLC.

Dell Hendricks ($172,888.23): Dell earned $60,000 early in the season by winning the NRBC Open Division on Reminic N Dunit owned by McQuay/Silva. He finished the show season by placing Bob Stinner’s Memorable Affair and Sweet N Ruf owned by Adair Reiners, LLC, in the NRHA Futurity Open Division Finals.

Todd Bergen ($160,035.28): Todd earned NRHA Derby and NRBC payouts of over $60,000 on Saturdaynight Custom owned by Arcese Quarter Horses USA, then went to the NRHA Futurity where he tied both of his entries fourth; Vaughn Zimmerman’s Skeets Little Peppy and Custom Lena owned by Arcese Quarter Horses USA.

The Top Twenty Professionals will be recognized for their achievements at the NRHA Convention, slated for February 9-12, 2005, in New Orleans, Louisiana. For more information on the NRHA Professionals, contact Alex Drenning at the NRHA office in Oklahoma City: 405-946-7400 extension #110.

The National Reining Horse Association is the governing body of the sport of Reining. NRHA is responsible for promoting the sport and working to ensure the highest standards of competition. With corporate support from Rocky Mountain Clothing Company, Cowboy Central, Horse & Rider magazine, Markel Insurance, Oklahoma City Convention & Visitors Bureau, Quarter Horse News, Kiser Arena Specialists, Houston Embryo Transfer Center, Classic Equine, Bloomer Trailer Mfg., Cowboy Tack, John Vance Auto Group, LaQuinta Inns and LaQuinta Inn & Suites, The Rider's Edge, and Purina Mills LLC (the official United States feed sponsor of the NRHA), the NRHA continues to educate its members and the public about Reining. For information on the NRHA or the sport of Reining visit www.nrha.com or call 405-946-7400.